L3 Challenge Day 8

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Wind on the water.

Today was a good day for pondering the wind. I've been studying Acts intently and when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers in Jesus Luke describes hearing the sound of a violent, rushing wind.

People gathered because of it.


I wonder: was there a rush of wind or just the sound? And what's the difference?

I googled "wind" today and found some pretty interesting things about wind energy, wind damage, wind patterns...And I could honestly read for days about it without truly understanding it.

Wind isn't tame.

God addressed Job from a whirlwind.

I cannot box the wind. And I dare not box in God. Just when I think I've got a handle on His nature, He shows up in the whirlwind.

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And I forgot to mention...

The sun.
Literally we are soaking in every last ray we can get while the leaves are still somewhat green and the ground is soft.
There is something in my heart that treasures these moments as the seasons change.
And these treasures are seeds.
Hope grows when life seems frozen.
Roots growing deep down into my soul for mid-January when all is white and frozen; hope keeps me warm.
The storm rolls in as I'm whispering Thanks for these treasure moments and I'm reminded again that time is priceless.
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L3 Challenge Day 7

The thing I learned & internalized today: spending time outside in the fall with the cool wind, kids in bright rain boots, & hot cocoa is priceless.

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L3 Challenge Day 5 (belated)

Yes, it bothers me too that day 5 is out of order.
I'm a rule follower.
If you only knew me growing up, then the statement would probably cause you to scoff. Reality for me is that I broke enough rules and experienced enough consequences to wake up and realize the value of Following the rules, staying within the protection of borders.
I teach my kids all kids of rules; rules for their safety, rules for their health, rules for their behavior in private and public, rules made by men.
What rules are the most important though? Are they my rules or God's?
Sometimes I hear myself bark a rule to "motivate obedience" of a rule like "no being silly at bedtime, mommy says it's time to be calm!"
A lot of times it seems like I'm teaching my kids to draw near me with their behavior but not necessarily with their heart.
How do I teach my kids God's rules? And even more, how do I teach them that breaking God's rules have eternal consequences and breaking man's rules have present consequences? I do not want to raise avid rule followers; I want to raise avid God-worshipers.

So my challenge for today: let go of my-made rules and focus on God's rules. Count my success for today based on my following and teaching His borders.

Isaiah 29:13 convicts me to not simply teach my kids (and myself for that matter) the behavior worship but rather the heart of worship. Psalm 119:41-48 will be on my heart today (I love this whole Psalm, but especially this portion.)
Psalm 119:48 "I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes."

It's good for me that day 5 is out of order. ;)

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L3 Challenge Day 6

Conviction has a time.
And it isn't mine.
Conviction is timed.
And I have run my time out.
Conviction not acted upon turns into dread.
Fear.
Guilt.
More conviction.

Today all of these met me face-to-face, and I was filled with boldness for action.
"You will be my witnesses..."
Today I said yes to Jesus and walked 20 feet to love my neighbor.

Conviction has a conclusion.
And it is the embrace of God.

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L3 Challenge Day 4

As you can guess, I love a challenge.

What you may not know is that I love to be crafty. 

But there is a catch: I'm only slightly creative. May there never be a day that I take credit for someone else's design. 

That being said: these are two projects I've learned about today and plan on accomplishing.

Fabric Flowers

Knit Scarf

These two amazingly cute & fun crafts were found here:

Brought to my attention by my beloved friend, Casie. :)

L3 Challenge day 3 (belated)

"Count the cost"
What I've been challenged with today: how do I approach being a disciple of Jesus? Did I come to Christ recklessly? When I was young and first drawn to Jesus, didn't I just jump in and expect it to be easy from there on out?
Yes, I did.
Over the past 3 years Jesus has been so patient to grow my faith, and yesterday I was challenged afresh to continue to count the cost in being Jesus' disciple. Here in Luke 14:25-35 Jesus uses strong language and says over and over that unless a follower meets his demands they "cannot be a disciple."
Yesterday my pastor pointed out that a person who doesn't meet Jesus' standard isn't simply a "lousy disciple" but Jesus himself says that he or she CANNOT be.
Strong language.
Strong commitment.
What follows this passage in Luke? The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son.
Oh how Jesus has rescued me from my many wanderings! Bless the Lord, oh my soul!

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L3 Challenge day 2

What I learned today: it's good to let kids try new things. Even tomboys feel pretty in purple heels.
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L3 challenge day 1

Thing learned today:
A little girl dancing with all her might can make one sick mama feel no pain.
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What could be accomplished in 100 days?

Could I tackle this pile? What could I learn in 100 days? What should I apply from previous knowledge? Interested? Join me for the challenge!
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